Nualtra: Dietitian Cafe #RD2B
Nualtra 52 episodes Nov 4, 2026
The Dietitian Café RD2B is a podcast from Nualtra for dietetics students and aspiring dietitians. It offers honest conversations and practical insights into what it is really like to train and work as a dietitian. Episodes explore clinical nutrition, public health, critical thinking, employability and life as a student or newly qualified dietitian. The season is hosted by Giselle, a final-year MSc Dietetics student at King’s College London with a background in nutrition and NHS placements.
Episodes
The Truth Behind The Supplement Aisle With Dr Rafe Bundy and Aisling Pigott
For this episode, Giselle is joined by Dr Rafe Bundy and Aisling Pigott to explore the truth behind the supplement aisle, from understanding the evidence behind popular supplements to navigating patient questions and making evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice.With supplements becoming increasingly popular, knowing what to recommend, what to question and where to find reliable infor
Negotiation: A Skill Dietitians Need to Learn with Ro Huntriss
For this episode, I am welcoming Ro Huntriss a consultant dietitian and nutritionist, to explore how negotiation can help dietitians advocate for patients, manage competing priorities, ask for opportunities and navigate conversations across the NHS, private practice and commercial settings. Ro Huntriss is a Registered Dietitian with 15 years of experience across clinical, commercial and digital he
Season 5 Finale: Your Questions Answered
Throughout this season, our listeners have been sending in some brilliant questions for our guests to answer.So in this special episode, we're bringing those answers together in one place. We cover the steps you may want to take if you'd like to pursue a career in marketing, whether working in the NHS is essential for a successful career, how to best prepare for placement, and much more.
Fuelling Female Athletes: Performance, Health & RED-S Explained with Elle Kelly
What does it really take to fuel active females for both health and performance? Exercise places specific demands on the body, and getting nutrition wrong can have serious consequences, from underperformance to long-term health risks.In this episode, I’m joined by Elle Kelly, a registered dietitian specialising in disordered eating and sports nutrition. She is the founder of Elle Kelly Nutrition,
Communicating with Medical Staff: Building Confidence on Placement with Dr Grace Monori
Have you Ever felt nervous about speaking to doctors or other medical staff on placement? You’re definitely not alone. Many student dietitians struggle with confidence in these moments, but learning how to communicate effectively is a key skill for both placement success and your future career. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Grace Monori. Grace is a registered dietitian and medical doctor, curr
The Rise of GLP-1 and What a Career in Weight Management Really Looks Like with Jo Hollington
GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, from headlines and social media to clinical practice, and they’re rapidly changing the conversation around weight management.But what do they actually do, and what do they mean for you as a future dietitian?In this episode, I’m joined by Jo Hollington, a principal dietitian and dietetic lead for the tier 3 and 4 weight management service at Guys & St
Exploring ARFID: What Every RD2B Should Know
Have you ever come across a patient on placement who avoids entire food groups or eats only a handful of foods, and wondered whether it’s more than just “picky eating”? That’s where Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - or ARFID – may come in. Despite its growing presence in clinical services, university teaching on ARFID is often limited, so this episode aims to build that awareness and hig
Beyond the NHS: A Student Guide to Careers in Private Practice with Sarah Almond Bushell
For most student dietitians, the NHS feels like the obvious career pathway. But what about private practice? More and more dietitians are setting up their own businesses, working directly with clients, and building brands that make evidence-based nutrition more accessible. The idea can feel a bit intimidating when you’re still at uni. So what does private practice actually involve, and how do you
Plant-Based Children: Insights from Paediatric Dietitian Paula Hallam
More and more families are choosing to follow plant-based diets, but are they safe and nourishing for children? For many student dietitians, paediatrics - and plant-based nutrition in particular - can feel like an area we only just skim the surface of during training, and confidence can be low when it’s time to apply this knowledge in practice.To unpack the evidence behind this topic, I’m joined b
What Employers Really Want from Student Dietitians (and How to Get Ahead) With Daisy Bolton and Nat Leeman
In this episode, I’m joined by two guests with unique perspectives: Nat Leeman, a current student dietitian who has thrown herself into opportunities like BDA volunteering, writing for Dietetics Today, leading her university nutrition society, and representing her peers as course rep; and Daisy Bolton, a Clinical Lead Dietitian At Kings College Hospital for Liver, HPB and Cancer. Together, we’ll e
Combating Nutrition Misinformation Online and the Vital Role of Dietitians With Nichola Ludlam-Raine
In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s impossible to escape online. Every scroll through TikTok or Instagram brings a new “miracle” diet, a self-proclaimed expert, or a viral hack that promises to change your health overnight. But how much of that information is actually true — and how can we, as future dietitians, play a vital role in combating misinformation online?In this episode, we’l
PCOS Explained: What Every Student Dietitian Should Learn With Jodie Relf
Today, we’re kicking off Season 5 with a subject that’s often overlooked in dietetic training but affects 1 in 8 women – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Together we’ll unpack what PCOS actually is, explore the lived experience many women struggle with, and look at where diet and lifestyle fit in based on the latest evidence. By the end of this episode you’ll have practical ways to start buildi
Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Dietetics with Aisling Pigott
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood—critical thinking. While many student dietitians associate it with academic writing or exam preparation, critical thinking goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a core skill that underpins every decision we make as future healthcare professionals—from delivering evidence-based advice to navigating complex patient scenarios with clarity and
Addressing Food Insecurity: The Dietitian's Role With Isabel Rice
Before we dive into today’s episode, some exciting news from our podcast family: The Dietitian Café has been shortlisted for Nutrition Resource of the Year at the 2025 CN Awards! If any of our episodes have ever left you feeling more confident, connected or inspired, we’d be so grateful if you could show your support by casting a vote. You can find the link in our show notes. Now onto today’s topi
Bridging the Gap between Undergraduate and Postgraduate study With Beth Bainbridge, Ellie Stobie and Emily Charlton
Are you a qualified nutritionist considering a move into dietetics? Or maybe you’re currently studying for your undergraduate dietetics degree and wondering if a postgraduate route could be the right fit. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what it’s really like to transition into postgraduate study, the skills and experiences you gain, and how to navigate the highs and challenges along the wa
Mastering Your Dietetic Placements: Expert Tips for Success With Long Li
Today, we’re exploring one of the most pivotal - and sometimes daunting - parts of the student dietitian journey: clinical placements. Transitioning from lecture halls to busy hospital wards can be a big leap, and we know it’s something that can bring a mix of nerves and excitement. That’s why in this episode, we’re diving into practical, honest advice to help you make the most of this formative s
Embracing Neurodiversity in Dietetic Practice With Dr Emma Derbyshire
Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic: embracing neurodiversity within dietetic practice. With neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism gaining increased recognition, it’s vital for dietitians to develop inclusive approaches to meet the needs of these patients effectively. In this episode, we’ll explore how neurodivergent conditions can shape dietary behaviours, discuss comm
Brain Fuel: Nutrition Strategies For Cognitive Excellence With Dr Emily Leeming
As the new semester begins, the demands of coursework, exams, and placements can feel overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re delving into the fascinating science of how nutrition impacts cognitive function. We’ll also uncover practical dietary strategies to help you stay sharp, focused, and resilient, even during the busiest times. Joining me for this episode is Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scie
The Art of Motivational Interviewing with Dr Alistair Duff
As a student dietitian, you're equipped with the knowledge to advise on nutrition, but how do you truly connect with your patients? In this episode of The Dietitian Café RD2B podcast, we delve into the transformative power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Dr. Alistair Duff, a qualified clinical psychologist, Head of Paediatric Psychology Services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, a
How to Get Into Nutrition Writing With Emma Coates RD
In today’s episode, we’re diving into an exciting area that many student dietitians may not have considered - nutrition writing. From blogs and magazine articles to academic journals and content strategy, we’ll be exploring how you can turn your passion for nutrition into impactful, written content that educates and inspires, while also building your professional brand. Whether you’re just startin
Exploring Dietitian And Nutritionist Stereotypes: Overcoming The Pressure to be 'Perfect’
As a student dietitian or nutrition student, you might have encountered comments or assumptions about your diet, appearance, or lifestyle simply because of your chosen degree. In this episode, we will explore the stereotypes and pressures faced by nutritionists and dietitians and delve into the unrealistic expectations and stigmatising perceptions when it comes to diet, appearance, and the concept
The Importance of Professionalism Within Healthcare
In this episode, we explore the importance of professionalism within healthcare. I’m delighted to be joined by Fiona Campbell from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to talk all about what us students should be doing to ensure we stay professional, as well as covering who the HCPC are and what they do. We will talk about appropriate social media use, how to conduct ourselves in and out
Building Resilience: Tips For Student Health Professionals With Nicki Bass
In today's episode, Tracey is joined by registered Occupational Psychologist Nicki Bass who has specific expertise in resilience and leadership development. Having spent 18 years as an officer in the British Army, she combines theoretical knowledge with lived experience as a leader in the most high-pressured environments. She is a TEDx speaker and host of The Everyday Adventure Podcast and is
Dietetics in Paediatrics With Natalie Yerlett
In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Great Ormond Street Hospital Paediatric Dietitian Natalie Yerlett, to talk all about dietetics in paediatrics. Paediatrics can often seem scary to many, especially to those with no experience with children or young people but today we will be putting the spotlight on this area with the aim of removing some of the mystery from it. We’ll be discussing h
Working in Industry – Are You More Prepared as a Dietitian or a Nutritionist?
Today we're delighted to be joined by Dietitian, Emily Stuart and Nutritionist Fleur Key, both of whom work in the food industry, to talk all about the differences between these two careers as well as how nutritionists prepare for an industry role and what transferable skills allow dietitians to work in this field. Fleur Key studied Human Nutrition at the University of Greenwich, before obtai
BDA Specialist Groups: Exploring what is available for students
In this episode, we will explore the benefits of joining the British Dietetic Association, how it can support students and prospects once qualified, and in particular all about the specialist groups that are available to join. So today, we're delighted to be joined by 3 guests: Kyle Kennedy BDA student representative, Gillian Farren Vice-Chairperson of the board of directors of the BDA and Em
Marking Veganuary: Vegan Diets in Practice
In this episode, we will explore the trend of Veganuary and the rise in Vegan diets. We’ll also discuss how to support patients following a vegan diet and if the vegan diet can help improve health of certain patient groups. So today, we're delighted to be joined by Registered Dietitian, Andrea Rymer, from The Vegan Society to talk all about the vegan diet and the benefits to such alternative
Freelance Dietetics: How to be successful and when to take the step
Azmina Govindji, Founder of Azmina Nutrition, is an award-winning dietitian, consultant nutritionist, international speaker and best-selling author of 20 books. Her latest peer-reviewed book, Vegan Savvy: The Expert’s Guide to Nutrition on a Plant-based Diet is supported by The British Dietetic Association and The Vegan Society. Azmina is a media spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association a
MDT working: In conversation with a Dietitian and Speech and Language Therapist
For this third episode, we’re finding out more about MDT working, including how dietitians work alongside speech and language therapists and the challenges and benefits of MDT working. With this in mind, we're delighted to welcome Dietitian Fran Allsop and Speech and Language Therapist Jacqui Learoyd, who have a lot of experience both in their individual roles but also together during their
Nutrition and Dietetic Societies: Insights, Inspiration and Ideas
Have you ever fancied getting involved with your university nutrition and dietetics society? …or are you looking to start one? In this episode we put the focus on societies and explore the benefits to joining as a student dietitian. We also chat about how to start a nutrition/dietetics society if there’s not one in place, as well as chatting about creative ideas for your meetings and how to suppor
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Critical Care - Is it really as daunting as it sounds? With Dr Danni Bear
Welcome to Season 3 with our new host Tracey D'Allestro. We’ve got a brilliant season lined up for you, so settle in and join me as we hear from brilliant, inspiring guests. For this first episode of the new season, we’re kicking off with an insight into critical care, and so I’m delighted to be joined by an expert in the field, Registered Dietitian Danni Bear, to tell us student dietitians m
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Career opportunities in gut health
Today, we will be exploring an area of dietetics that I’ve seen taking the spotlight recently – and rightly so! Gut health. Today, I’m really excited to welcome registered dietitian Kaitlin Colucci. Kaitlin has become a prominent figure in the gut health world, and today we are lucky enough to be exploring her career as a leading gut health dietitian, to learn about her journey, advice and tips to
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Is reflection really that important?…and all things placement and portfolios
Today, we will be exploring a rather controversial topic amongst student dietitians. Reflection. Us students are all to familiar with the process, with many of us asking ourselves “why do we need to do this”. Today we are going to answer this by speaking with registered dietitian Pooja Dhir, who has a wealth of experience supporting student dietitians, and using reflection in her own career. I hop
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - International students…this one’s for you
In today’s episode we will be shining a light on international student dietitians in the UK. Many students experience the usual pressures and stresses of a degree, but international students also have a whole host of other challenges to contend with. I am delighted to be joined today by Courtney Rockett and Alfadhul Almubarak, who are international student dietitians studying at Leeds Beckett Univ
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - A career in eating disorders?
In today’s episode, we will continue to explore the different dietetic specialities, and in light of the recent eating disorders awareness week from 27th February, we will be delving into the specialty of eating disorders. It is estimated by the UK’s eating disorder charity Beat that 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder of some form, which is a really shocking statistic, don’t you
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Time to talk: looking after your wellbeing on placement
Placement is a very exciting time with so much learning and personal growth. However, steep learning curves, moving to new environments, and financial pressures can leave students feeling overwhelmed and stressed. To make the most out of our time on placement, protecting our physical and mental health should be high on the priority list. Today, I am joined by Zunaira Awais, a third-year student di
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Working as a sport and exercise dietitian
Today, we will be delving into the world of sports performance nutrition, which I know is a really interesting speciality to a lot of student dietitians. Whether it be men’s or women’s football, rugby, tennis, the Olympics, the Paralympics, or even the sport or exercise we do at home, sport is all around us. So, what is the role of dietitians in this space? Do we have one? Indeed, we do! I’m very
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Taking dietetics into the future: a career in telehealth?
As digitalisation is on the rise, our future as student dietitians is looking to be more and more technology based. In this episode we will explore the telehealth field, including what it really is, the types of roles there are for dietitians, and the career opportunities that there may be for students once they graduate. To discuss all of this, we are joined today by Josie and Hannah, who are reg
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Life as a mature student dietitian with Beca Lyne-Pirkis
Mature students form a significant part of the student dietitian community and dietetics is often a career that people decide to switch to mid-way through their working life. Today we wish to shine a spotlight on mature students, to highlight the value they bring to the profession as well as the unique challenges they face whilst studying. Today we are joined by Beca Lyne-Pirkis, a registered diet
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Different experiences & journeys to becoming a registered dietitian
As most RD2B’s have now returned to university for another year of study and UCAS applications for Dietetics courses will start to fly in, we want to discuss some different journeys to becoming a dietitian. In this episode, we will be joined by two guests, Katie Avis and Zainab Jawed, who are dietetics students at university college London. Along with myself, we will be discussing our individual j
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Women's health: a future career? With Anita Beckwith
In the first episode of season 2, Neve meets with Anita Beckwith.Anita leads the Specialist Diabetes Dietetic and DAFNE services at King’s College Hospital, London.In both her NHS role and private practice, Anita supports women and men with and without diabetes (type 1 and type 2) through their fertility, preconception and pregnancy journeys.Anita is a certified fertility and prenatal dietitian an
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B - Introducing Our New Host: Neve Lilleyman!
Huge thank you to all those who applied to be the new student host for our Dietitian Café RD2B podcast. The search is now over and we are delighted to introduce you to Neve Lilleyman (@ncl_nutrition) who will be our new host for season 2 which kicks off in a couple of days! 🙌👩🎓 Neve is about to start her 2nd year of Dietetics at Coventry University, where she is also the Chair of the University
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Student Dietitians on Social Media with Reema Rabheru
For this episode, Lucy is joined by fellow RD2B and BDA student representative, Reema Rabheru. Reema has recently been nominated for a CN award, and the link to vote can be found in the show notes. In this episode, we will discuss student dietitians on social media, her own experience of creating content, and the benefits of student dietitians being connected.Show Notes:Reema Twitter: @BDAStudentR
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: How to get your first job as a dietitian with Molly McEntee-Morris
For this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Registered Dietitian Molly McEntee-Morris to discuss how to get your first job as a dietitian.Molly has previously featured on the Dietitian Café podcast, as the BDA student representative. Since then, she has graduated and been working as a band 5 dietitian. In this episode, Molly will share her experiences of transitioning from student dietitian to
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Dietetic Apprenticeships with Fiona Moor
For this episode, Lucy is joined by registered dietitian Fiona Moor, who has been involved in the creation of the new dietetic apprenticeships at Coventry University. In this episode, Fiona will discuss what dietetic apprenticeships have to offer, what dietetic apprentices are doing day to day, and what the response has been so far to this new style of dietetic education.Show Notes:LinksApprentice
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Career Opportunities in Public Health with Seona Dunne
In this episode, we take a look at public health career opportunities, what those roles may look like, and how the work public health nutritionists do impacts our practice as students and dietitians. Seona will share her experience working in public health and education.Show Notes:Seona Twitter: @SeoDunneLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/se%C3%B3na-dunne-rnutr-991b0841
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Enteral Feeding: Separating fact from fiction
For this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by specialist home enteral feeding dietitian Emma Green. In this episode, Emma will share her experience working as a home enteral tube feeding dietitian. We will discuss the role of a dietitian in enteral feeding, the key factors to consider when devising a feeding regime, and Emma will share her top tips for managing enteral nutrition.Show Notes:Emma
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Top tips for preparing for placement
For this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Registered Dietitian and placement trainer Sarah Pickup to discuss all things dietetic placement. In this episode, Sarah will share her experience working as a dietetic placement trainer. We will discuss what you can expect from placement, and how you can best prepare.Show Notes:Sarah Twitter: @SarahPickup10
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Beyond your dissertation: A career in research
December is a crucial time for all students writing a dissertation, with ethical approval applications submitted and beginning to recruit for studies. It's also a time when students might be thinking about what the future holds for their career. In this episode, Lucy is joined by 2 dietitians, Natasha Schoeler and Jennifer Towey, who are both currently involved in dietetic research, specialis
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: Gaining skills and experience for your future career with Estelle Kearney
With November being national career development month, Lucy is joined by Registered Dietitian Estelle Kearney to discuss how student dietitians can develop skills and gain experience alongside their degree. Estelle is a registered dietitian specialising in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, and critical care. Having graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Dietetics from Queen Margaret Un
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: A spotlight on: Malnutrition and community dietetics with Catherine Rabess
To celebrate Malnutrition Awareness Week, Lucy is joined by Registered Dietitian Catherine Rabess to discuss the role of a community dietitian in addressing malnutrition.Catherine Rabess is an experienced Registered Dietitian specialising in gastroenterology and complex nutrition support, with a focus on functional gut disorders including IBS, gastroparesis, colorectal surgery and Inflammatory Bow
Dietitian Cafe #RD2B: What does the future hold for dietetic education? With Dr Tom Butler
In this episode, Lucy is joined by Dr Tom Butler. Tom is a senior lecturer in Nutrition and Health at Edge Hill University. He leads the MSc Public Health Nutrition programme and was previously the programme lead for the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics course at the University of Chester. Tom is the scientific officer for the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR)
